I like to think that I am a pretty grounded, well balanced individual without too many hang-ups and am happy with tolerance as long as it’s a two-way street.

However, what makes my hackles rise more and more these days are what seems to be the ever growing numbers of people arriving in this country without, it seems, not much of a plan and no real means of supporting themselves. Often in such situations, the main barrier is language and an inability to speak English and lack of motivation or interest to learn it.

I find it very disturbing to see a foreign family, all talking a totally different language to mine as they push their brood of children in pushchairs in the direction of the Job Centre. This is something I see a lot and while I agree that it is possible that they are there to try and find work and contribute to the economy, I don’t really see what jobs are out there for them.

What sort of jobs are available to people who speak English as a second language and have difficulty in communicating with English people ?

I’ve encountered many such people in my professional career and I do feel for them. It must be a terribly isolating experience to be so shut out from mainstream society, simply because they cannot understand what everyone else is saying. Even a simple telephone call to their bank to check a balance can turn into a real struggle.

Are we really helping them by allowing them into the country so easily ? Would it not be better to have some control and a few rules ? If a person applies for a National Insurance number and is in the UK to work, are we being unreasonable to expect them to speak our language to a reasonable level ?

Personally, I don’t think so. I think we are not doing anyone any favours by carrying on the way we are. All we are achieving is a divide between communities and an immigrant under-class that is having real trouble integrating with everyone else as a result. In 2008, in towns and cities with many different cultures and races amongst its population, the thing that I notice the most in my daily life is people sticking with their own. People have to want to integrate and the rest have to want to be integrated with, but what I tend to witness the most these days is divided communities.

The Government’s whole approach to immigration is dangerously flawed in my opinion as its ‘fluffy cloud utopia’ that it seems to be striving for just isn’t going to happen. This has nothing to do with racism or prejudice, it is about basic fairness and giving everyone a decent chance.

I don’t see that the current system really benefiting anyone, least of all those who come to the UK seeking a new life.